Welcome to Equity Matters, a monthly newsletter from the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Equity Matters is distributed to faculty, staff, and students in the Duke University School of Medicine. In this issue, Sharena Ballard-Hart tells us about her EDI work in the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center. We also share recent EDI-related news stories, resources, and coming events.

EDI Spotlight: Sharena Ballard-Hart

When Sharena Ballard-Hart took over efforts to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC) in 2016, she was the only person of color in her unit. The role allowed her the opportunity both to learn more about EDI efforts and resources that she could apply to the BIAC and to connect with other people of color within the School of Medicine.

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Seven years later, Ballard-Hart continues to lead EDI efforts within a larger, more diverse BIAC while also serving as its human resources manager. In this week’s EDI Spotlight interview, Ballard-Hart talks to us about how her EDI duties complement her human resources work of helping all the members of the BIAC feel empowered and celebrated. She also shares her involvement in Moments to Movement and the school’s strategic plan to dismantle racism, and enjoying cooking contests and rivalries with her husband (and fellow Duke employee) Marcus Hart.


News and Resources

2023 Michelle Winn Awards Celebrate Achievements in Diversity and Inclusion

The Duke University School of Medicine has announced the 2023 Michelle P. Winn Awards honoring individuals and teams who exemplified inclusive excellence over the past year. Each year, Winn Awards are given to one staff member, faculty member, student, and team.

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Naggie Named Director of Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Susanna Naggie, MD, MHS, has been named director of the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). Naggie will be responsible for leading all programs within the institute, which is dedicated to accelerating scientific discovery, innovation, and translation and improving equity in science, medicine, and health. CTSI plays a key role in enhancing the equity, diversity, and inclusiveness of research activities and programs within the university.

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Creating Community for Asian American Students

Although they each had had different experiences before coming to Duke, medical students Lily Guo and Linda Li say the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) has given them a sense of belonging they could not have found elsewhere.

Recognizing Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Dean Mary E. Klotman shared a special message with the School of Medicine earlier this month in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.


Chantell Evans Named an HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar

Chantell Evans, PhD, assistant professor of cell biology, has been selected as one of the 31 inaugural Freeman Hrabowski Scholars by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The awards support outstanding early career faculty who are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in science.

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Ten Community Organizations Earn 2023 Dean’s COVID-19 Community Grants

Ten community-based organizations have been selected as grant recipients for this year’s Dean’s COVID-19 Community Education and Outreach to Advance Health Equity program. This initiative is a cross-collaboration between the Duke University School of Medicine, as well as Duke CTSI’s Center for Equity in Research and Community Engaged Research Initiative (CERI).

Gender-Affirming Treatment and Transition Care

Duke Health has provided high-quality, compassionate, and evidence-based gender care for many years. Our teams remain committed to addressing the medical, psychological, and social needs of people who are seeking gender-affirming care, with the goal of building healthy communities in a culture of respect and inclusion for all. Learn more about the high-quality, compassionate care currently offered by Duke’s team of experts.

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REACH Equity Center Colloquium 2023

Ending Health Disparities: Moving from Descriptions to Solutions

June 2 • 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.


Keynote speaker: Monica Webb Hooper, PhD, Deputy Director, National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities

DCI COEE Men’s Health Screening

June 3 & 4

Lincoln Community Health Center

Duke Primary Care Croasdaile


The Duke Cancer Institute Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity (COEE) program presents its annual Men's Health Screening event. On-site recommended cancer screenings and health assessments will be provided.

Action Collaborative for Black Men in Medicine National Meeting

June 6 & 7 • Noon-4:30 p.m.


Join the Association of American Medical Colleges and the National Medical Association to discuss and build a national action plan to address the underrepresentation of Black men in medicine. Open to anyone interested in advancing systems change to increase the representation of Black men in medicine.

Duke Next Generation Leaders Symposium

June 7 • 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Trent Semans Center for Health Education

 

This event will bring together a cohort of promising postdoctoral scientists committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the biomedical sciences. The day will include research presentations with a reception to follow. Open to all in the Duke community.

National Chats for Change

Antiracist Practices in Action: Rest as Resistance

June 7 • Noon


Join the Icahn School of Medicine and other colleagues for a discussion exploring the ways in which rest can be an antiracist practice. Open to everyone in medical education and health care communities.

Alliance Friends & Family Picnic 

June 11 • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

DHTS Amenity Park, 21 Alexandria Way, Durham

 

Join the Duke Health LGBTQ+ Alliance Affinity Group for a family and friends picnic. This event will include music, games, food, and drinks. RSVP by June 7.

Juneteenth Celebration and Luncheon

June 15 • Noon-1:30 p.m.

Great Hall, Trent Semans Center for Health Education

 

Join the ME² Black Employee Resource Group for its Second Annual Juneteenth Celebration. RSVP to attend.

OutRaleigh 

June 24

Downtown Raleigh

 

An inclusive and family-friendly event with activities for all ages with live entertainment, local vendors and artists, great food, a KidsZone, and a beer garden.

Duke Health Alliance x NC Courage Pride Game 

July 1 • 7:30 p.m.

 

The NC Courage invites all Duke Health Alliance and Duke Health employees, as well as their family and friends to WakeMed Soccer Park to celebrate Pride Night.

Duke Eye Center Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lecture

July 18 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Duke Eye Center

 

Tamara Fountain, MD

Join the Duke Eye Center for its annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion lecture.

Equity Advancement Symposium 2023

July 27

Trent Semans Center for Health Education

 

Featuring Keynote Speaker David Asai, PhD, Senior Director for Science Education, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Theater Delta Performance; and BioCore Student Poster Presentations. Hosted by Duke University School of Medicine IDEALS Office and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Visit the Duke Events Calendar for a listing of EDI events across campus

medschool.duke.edu/EDI

For questions or story suggestions, email the EDI Team

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